The Utah Mammoth defeated the Buffalo Sabres 5-2 on Wednesday night, completing a comeback victory fueled by a dominant third period. Here are three takeaways from the game:

1. Mammoth's Third-Period Surge Overwhelms Sabres

Trailing 2-1 after two periods, the Mammoth exploded for four unanswered goals in the final frame. J.J. Peterka, playing against his former team, ignited the rally just 52 seconds into the third, tying the game 2-2. Lawson Crouse quickly followed up with another goal, giving the Mammoth their first lead of the night. Nick Schmaltz extended the lead, and Clayton Keller sealed the victory with an empty-netter. The Mammoth outshot the Sabres 14-3 in the third period, demonstrating their relentless pressure. According to coach Mark, Utah demonstrated how a structured team responds when trailing by pushing the tempo, winning puck battles, and aggressively attacking through the neutral zone. The team’s forecheck in the third period overwhelmed Buffalo.

2. Isak Rosen's Two Goals Not Enough for Buffalo

Isak Rosen provided the lone offense for the Sabres, scoring both of their goals. Rosen's first goal came 5:33 into the first period, with a pass from Jack Quinn deflecting off a Mammoth defenseman's skate. He doubled the lead at 6:42 of the second period with a one-timer from the right circle. Despite Rosen's performance, the Sabres couldn't maintain their lead, ultimately succumbing to the Mammoth's pressure. Rosen's pair of goals represented his first NHL multi-goal game. The Sabres are currently operating without five of their opening-night forwards due to injuries and illness.

3. Mammoth's Defensemen Contribute Offensively

Nick DeSimone, an East Amherst native, scored his first goal of the season in the second period, helping to spark the Mammoth's comeback. This was also DeSimone's first career point against his hometown team. The Mammoth's blueliners have been consistently contributing offensively, with the defense corps recording at least one point in the last 16 games. Since October 21, Utah's defensemen have contributed 32 points, tying them for the second-most in the NHL during that stretch. The consistent offensive contribution from the defense is a key factor in the Mammoth's success.

With the win, the Mammoth snapped a three-game losing streak and improved to 2-5 in their last seven games. The Sabres, on the other hand, have now lost their fourth straight game and seventh in their last eight. The Sabres will look to rebound against the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, while the Mammoth will host the New York Islanders on Friday.